Your Healthy Lifestyle Coach

Category Archives: Minerals

In today’s post, we are going to discuss trace minerals; what they are, why we need them and where to get them.

I often talk about vitamins, but your body also requires what we call trace minerals. The reason the word “trace” is used is because you need little to gain huge benefits. I must also mention that there is dangers in having too much of these trace minerals too.

Just consider the fact that our bodies are similar to machinery. That machinery requires certain fluids such as oil, hydraulic fluid, etc… to maintain it in perfect working condition.

I equate trace minerals to the fluids in machinery. Too little and the machine is in danger of overheating; too much and the machine may “blow” seals causing a leak or rupture.

Our bodies need trace minerals much like machinery needs fluids. And while there are some possibilities of “too much,” the majority of humans are running on too few trace minerals. And the primary reason is the growing soils are not as rich in minerals as they once were.

What Are Trace Minerals?

You probably know what most primary minerals are… Minerals that you need more than 100 mg per day:

sodium

calcium

chloride

magnesium

potassium

and phosphorous

Trace minerals are inorganic matter that heat (cooking) cannot damage and we need much smaller amounts; anywhere from 1 to 99 mg per day. But we must have them!

copper

zinc

iron

chromium

selenium

fluoride (this is a trace mineral many people are getting far too much of. It is in water supplies so just say no to it in your toothpaste.)

manganese

iodine

and molybdenum

Why We Need Trace Minerals

Without trying to sound overly scientific, I will just tell you that our bodies are made up of various organic and inorganic matter. We need some of the “metals” to have a proper working system. Let me tell you just a little how each one helps you and where you can get it…

Copper

Copper helps your body make hemoglobin and connective tissues, as well as plays a part in producing energy in your cells.

Studies show that copper deficiencies are low in the United States. You get copper from:

nuts and seeds

seafood

and organ meats

Intake should be from 870 – 900 mcg per day.

Zinc

Zinc deficiency can impair growth in children and birth defects during pregnancy.

Zinc is needed for a healthy immune system; it promotes cell reproduction and tissue growth.

Zinc can be achieved from:

nuts and seeds

meats

peas

and eggs

Intake is 8 – 11 mg per day.

Iron

Our hemoglobin requires iron. It is needed to transport oxygen throughout the body.

A deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue and infections. Excess amount can cause an enlarged liver, skin coloring, diabetes and internal damage.

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Disclaimer

I am NOT a doctor. This site is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your doctor before starting any new diet or exercise program. Individual results will vary. I do make money from the products and services I recommend on this site.